Duke Thomas I of Savoy

Duke Thomas I of Savoy (26 June 1178-1 March 1233) was the Duke of Savoy from 1189 to 1233, succeeding Duke Humbert III of Savoy and preceding Duke Amadeus IV of Savoy.

Biography
Thomas was born on 26 June 1178 to Duke Humbert III of Savoy and Beatrice of Viennois, from the French Catholic House of Savoy. His birth was a miracle, as his father did not have a male heir for the last three wives of his; Humbert named his son after Thomas Becket. When his father died in 1189, he was still a minor, and his mother was regent. In 1191 he reached his majority and he possessed the martial abilities and brilliant mind that his father lacked, leading the Duchy of Savoy into a golden age. Thomas supported the House of Hohenstaufen, and he was a leader of the Ghibellines in northern Italy. Thomas conquered Vaud, Bugey, and Carignano during the Wars of Guelphs and Ghibellines, and he fought against Asti. He died in 1233.